"D" the Ranter is Colorado's #1 Multi-sport MLBlogger. The Rant is written from a fan's perspective and you can count on "D" to tell you exactly how it is. Tried and Tested…There's a reason the Rant kicks ass in Colorado.

The pressures a mutha, can you help a brotha?

1/22/09

I only post this list for my Pops, that way he’ll think I’m famous. Rockpile Rant came in number six for the week of January 16-22. My stealth plan is working.

Too bad he’ll probably never know it because I don’t think he’s a regular reader of my blog, but Mark Newman was a big part of my motivation and ultimate decison to quit smoking. I was reading in his blog a while back that he used to smoke and that he successfuly quit and took up marathon running.

Every now and then in his blog he plugs a marathon that he’s participating in.

Marathon running has got to be hell on your lungs, and going from smoking to not, and then getting your lungs in good enough shape to complete a 26 mile race…..I think that’s quite a feat.

When I look at him, I think if he can do it, I can.

So know this Newman, whether you read the Rant or not, I respect you brotha. You managed to successfully quit smoking and turned your focus into getting yourself healthier. (Plus I like the way the articles you write carry the reader through them).

Right now, I’m just trying to get through to the next day. I get these wicked cigarette cravings that are so intense….

Not only would I walk a mile for a Camel cigarette, I believe I could do it with the camel strapped to my back.

It’s been over two weeks. Props to my wife too, she a few days behind me, but she’s still winning the battle herself.

Problem is she and I can’t really talk about it too much or we both wind up wanting to smoke…Anybody been in that spot before??

Mark, your the guy I want to hear from.

How did you do it dude?

How much did you used to smoke?

What was the hardest part for you?

Who did you turn to when you needed help?

Had you quit before and failed?

What was the defining moment for you?

Do you do you still crave them?

Today felt like day one to me. I forgot my patch.

Give a brotha some words of encouragment. Your all about helping others learn how to improve their writing skills, it would be appreciated if you could give a fellow blogger in need a few tips on how to prolong his life?

Please don’t take this the wrong way Newman, I just need some help man. Give me the benefit of your experience in this department.

We can call it C-Quit School, yeah I like that.

You could give a monthly motivational paragraph or so for those of us quitting or contemplating quitting smoking. Use your blog and your experiences for the good of the people.

No It’s not often I’ll ask anyone for help, but in this instance I’m all ears. Teach me…D

Hang in there D….you can, and will, do it. My Dad smoked for many years and quit. It will make you be in better shape to snag all those baseballs this upcoming season!! Spring Training is drawing close my friend……Jim

JIM-WHAT’s up man? I miss reading your comments. Just seeing your name makes me think of batting practice brotha…Hope all is good in your world…D
JULIA-You and R-Luv have been there everyday for me. Don’t think I don’t notice…I owe all of you who comment here daily with support and kind words. I also appreciate that you know you can post your opinion even if yours doesn’t follow my path …D

Hey D,
Hang in there man. I can’t imagine getting through the day this early on without the patch. Kudos to you for doing it. I think it took me several months before I was able to go patch free. I’m glad to hear that Krista’s on the wagon too. Stay strong guys.
#6! That rocks! You go man!
(Almost Fan Fest time)

D,
I think this is such a noble goal to quit smoking, and I think it’s really important too. Now, this story… I don’t want to scare you with it, but motivate you rather.
My Grandma smoked for a long long time, it took her a while to quit (wayyy after you), and she ended up with lung cancer. I watched her deteriorate for three years as she fought the cancer, and when she became terminal, I vowed I would never smoke. And she inspired me to try and prevent my friends from starting up, and to help my friends stop. I think you should stop as soon as possible so that you and your wife never have to go through this. Quitting now will vastly reduce your risk! You can do it!
-Elizabethhttp://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com

Congrats on #6, D! And way to keep up with the non-smoking. Great job for you and your wife. You’re both on your way to longer, healthier lives! You guys can do it!
Jenhttp://ajroxmywhitesox.mlblogs.com

“Congratulations” to both you and your wife in your battle to stop smoking … Hang in there, you both can kick the habit !!! … Also, “Congratulations” on your #6 ranking on the latest Leader’s List !!! … Way to go, moving up the List !!! … Jimmy [27NYY], “BY&L” http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/

Wow, all these comments and my dad too.
JANE-Thanks and welcome to the Rant, Congrats on holding firm at # 2. Props on your book girl, I hope you make a million.
JIMMY-Thank you, congrats on #15 brotha.
JULIA-I’ve hyped the appearance of the MBU so much, I may be in trouble…
JEN-…This is a good start, I’m already breathing much better.
ELIZABETH-Thanks, by far the toughest thing I’ve ever tried to do.
R-LUV-Thanks, I had the patch on today, wasn’t going there again..Tomorrow’s Saturday :) …D

Hey, Don. Just do it. Best ad slogan ever. Blog about how you did it, not how you are going to do it. I broke a box of Kools in half in December 2006 and that day bought a box of Asics instead, joined NY Road Runners, and when you put a big, ugly, ridiculous, impossible goal out there (in my case it was NYC Marathon), it forces you to make changes. I was drinking water constantly and keeping grapes, nuts, celery sticks, whatever healthy snack food around to substitute for those cravings. Everyone’s different but I hear from so many people who quit smoking and started distance running. There has to be something big pushing you to make the change, and only you know what that is. I wanted to live longer for my boys. Go get ‘em, you can do it. Best – Mark/MLB.com http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com

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